Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Feta

I think Brussels sprouts get a bad rap.  I know that while I was growing up that my dad would joke about making me eat Brussels sprouts and how "yucky" they were.  I actually don't think I remember hearing one good thing about them while I was growing up from anyone.  It's because of this that I waited a really long time before ever trying them.  However, when I was pregnant with L, I had gestational diabetes.  This meant that I had to eat a lot of veggies because pasta, cookies, potatoes (really anything that you crave while pregnant) was off limits.  After getting tired of the same vegetables, I decided to try Brussels sprouts and I really liked them!

If you haven't given these veggies a try, here are a few reasons to consider putting them on the menu.  According to an article on FitDay.com, Brussels sprouts contain a chemical called sulforaphane, which has anti-cancer properties.  And if you are watching your diet, Brussels Sprouts are low in sodium and fat, but are high in vitamin C and fiber.

When I made the Steak with Feta Cream Sauce, I had planned on making just roasted Brussels sprouts, but I got the idea to add feta when I saw the extra left in the package after making the cream sauce.  It was awesome!

Living in a small town like I do, I don't always have fresh Brussels sprouts available in the produce section.  I used frozen sprouts for this recipe, but you could use fresh too.

Prep Time: 5 minutes (allow extra time for thawing if using frozen)

Cook Time:15-30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Brussels sprouts
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• Jane's Krazy Mixed-Up Salt
• 1/3 cup of feta cheese

If you are using frozen sprouts, a quick way to defrost them is to add some really hot water to your sink.  Place the package of the sprouts in the water for about 30 minutes.  After you have defrosted the sprouts, squeeze the extra water out of them.

Preheat your broiler.  Cut the ends off of the sprouts and then cut them in half.  Lay them out on a rimmed baking sheet.  Drizzle the olive oil over the sprouts and salt to your preference.  Start out cooking them for 15 minutes and cook for an additional 5 minutes at a time until the sprouts start to char a little.  It will take a while longer for the frozen sprouts to cook.  After the sprouts are cooked, let them cool for about 5 minutes and then sprinkle on the feta.  Enjoy!